CN112424078B

CN112424078B - Conformable package

Info

Publication number: CN112424078B
Application number: CN201980046335.8A
Authority: CN
Inventors: 斯科特·大卫·霍奇伯格; 迈克尔·马修·萨特科斯基
Original assignee: Procter and Gamble Co
Current assignee: Procter and Gamble Co
Priority date: 2018-08-14
Filing date: 2019-08-08
Publication date: 2022-08-12
Anticipated expiration: 2039-08-08
Also published as: US20200055635A1; WO2020036793A1; CN112424078A; EP3837181A1; US10994895B2

Abstract

A flexible package (10) may include first and second sidewalls (12, 14). The first and second side walls are connected by a bottom portion (20) and a seam defining the first and second sides. The package can have an opening (22) opposite the bottom portion, a first plurality of magnetic regions, and a second plurality of magnetic regions. A first plurality of magnetic regions (60) may be disposed on the first sidewall proximate the opening and include discrete magnetic regions. A second plurality of magnetic regions (62) may be disposed on the second sidewall proximate the access opening and include opposing discrete magnetic regions. The second plurality of magnetic regions is opposite the first plurality of magnetic regions. The discrete magnetic region and the opposing discrete magnetic region may be magnetically engageable to close the opening of the package in a configuration having M lobes, where M is an integer from 2 to 8.

Description

Conformable package

Technical Field

Embodiments of the present technology relate generally to packages having magnetically engaged portions and conformable open states.

Background

Packages for containing dispensable articles are used for a wide variety of consumer and commercial products. Typically, such packages are intended to contain products that can be partially removed and consumed, leaving a partially filled package. Some products are packaged and used in a manner that requires one-handed opening. It can be challenging to be able to effectively open or close a package using a single hand. For example, flexible packages having "zipper" type closures are difficult to open or close with a single hand.

Thus, there remains an unmet need for a package that allows for effective one-handed closure of the package.

Furthermore, there remains an unmet need for a flexible package that allows for efficient one-handed opening and closing of the package opening.

Disclosure of Invention

One embodiment of the present disclosure provides a flexible package, comprising: a first flexible polymeric sidewall having a first perimeter and a second flexible polymeric sidewall having a second perimeter, the first flexible polymeric sidewall and the second flexible polymeric sidewall being connected by a bottom portion and a first seam and a second seam defining a first side and a second side, respectively; an access opening opposite the bottom portion; a first plurality of magnetic regions disposed on the first sidewall proximate the access opening, the first plurality of magnetic regions comprising at least N discrete magnetic regions, where N is an even integer from 4 to 16; a second plurality of magnetic regions disposed on the second sidewall proximate the access opening, the second plurality of magnetic regions comprising at least N opposing discrete magnetic regions, the second plurality of magnetic regions opposing the first plurality of magnetic regions; and wherein the N discrete magnetic regions and the N opposing discrete magnetic regions are magnetically engageable to close the access opening of the package in a configuration having M lobes, wherein M is selected from an integer consisting of 4, 6, and 8, wherein some of the discrete magnetic regions comprise a plurality of north and south strips having a first directional orientation and some of the opposing discrete magnetic regions comprise a plurality of north and south strips having a second directional orientation, wherein the first and second directions are at right angles relative to each other.

In one embodiment, the discrete magnetic regions and the discrete opposing magnetic regions comprise magnetic ink. In another embodiment, the first plurality of magnetic regions comprises uniformly spaced discrete magnetic regions and the second plurality of magnetic regions comprises uniformly spaced discrete opposing magnetic regions. In another embodiment, the discrete magnetic regions and the discrete opposing magnetic regions comprise a plurality of parallel spaced alternating north and south magnetic strips. In another embodiment, the discrete magnetic regions and the discrete opposing magnetic regions comprise a plurality of parallel spaced alternating north and south magnetic tapes, and each of the alternating north and south bands are oriented in the same direction. In another embodiment, the discrete magnetic regions and the discrete opposing magnetic regions comprise a plurality of parallel spaced alternating north and south magnetic strips, wherein adjacent north and south poles are separated by a neutral zone.

One embodiment of the present disclosure provides a flexible package, comprising: a first flexible polymeric sidewall having a first perimeter and a second flexible polymeric sidewall having a second perimeter, the first flexible polymeric sidewall and the second flexible polymeric sidewall being connected by a bottom portion and a first seam and a second seam defining a first side and a second side, respectively; an access opening opposite the bottom portion; a first plurality of magnetic regions disposed on the first sidewall proximate the access opening, the first plurality of magnetic regions comprising at least N discrete magnetic regions, where N is an even integer from 4 to 10, and wherein each discrete magnetic region comprises a plurality of north and south pole strips; a second plurality of magnetic regions disposed on the second sidewall proximate the access opening, the second plurality of magnetic regions comprising at least N opposing discrete magnetic regions, the second plurality of magnetic regions opposing the first plurality of magnetic regions, and wherein each discrete opposing magnetic region comprises a plurality of north and south pole strips; and wherein the N discrete magnetic regions and the N opposing discrete magnetic regions are magnetically engageable to close the access opening of the package in a configuration having M lobes, wherein M is selected from an integer consisting of 4, 6, and 8, wherein some of the discrete magnetic regions comprise a plurality of north and south strips having a first directional orientation and some of the opposing discrete magnetic regions comprise a plurality of north and south strips having a second directional orientation, wherein the first and second directions are at right angles relative to each other.

In one embodiment, the discrete magnetic regions and the discrete opposing magnetic regions comprise a uv-curable magnetic ink. In another embodiment, the first plurality of magnetic regions comprises uniformly spaced discrete magnetic regions and the second plurality of magnetic regions comprises uniformly spaced discrete opposing magnetic regions. In another embodiment, the discrete magnetic regions and the discrete opposing magnetic regions comprise a plurality of parallel spaced alternating north and south magnetic tapes, and each of the alternating north and south bands are oriented in the same direction. In another embodiment, adjacent north and south poles are separated by a neutral zone. In another embodiment, the discrete magnetic regions and the opposing discrete magnetic regions have the same size and shape.

Drawings

Fig. 1 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a package of the present disclosure.

Fig. 2 is a side view of a portion of a package of the present disclosure.

Fig. 3 is a top view of a portion of a package of the present disclosure.

Fig. 4 is a top view of a portion of a package of the present disclosure.

Fig. 5 is a side view of a portion of a package of the present disclosure.

Fig. 6 is a side view of a portion of a package of the present disclosure.

Fig. 7 is a top view of a portion of a package of the present disclosure.

Detailed Description

Certain embodiments are described in detail below with reference to the figures and examples of fig. 1-7, wherein like numerals refer to like elements throughout.

Various non-limiting embodiments of the disclosure will now be described to provide a general understanding of the structure, function, and principles of use of the devices, systems, methods, and processes disclosed herein. One or more examples of these non-limiting embodiments are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. One of ordinary skill in the art will understand that the systems and methods described herein and illustrated in the accompanying drawings are non-limiting embodiments. Features shown or described in connection with one non-limiting embodiment may be combined with features of other non-limiting embodiments. Such modifications and variations are intended to be included within the scope of the present disclosure.

Reference throughout this specification to "various embodiments," "some embodiments," "one embodiment," "some example embodiments," "an example embodiment," or "embodiments" means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with any embodiment is included in at least one embodiment. Thus, appearances of the phrases "in various embodiments," "in some embodiments," "in one embodiment," "some exemplary embodiments," "an exemplary embodiment," or "in an embodiment" in various places throughout this specification are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment. Furthermore, the particular features, structures, or characteristics may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments.

The examples discussed herein are merely examples and are provided to help explain the devices, apparatuses, systems, and methods described herein. Unless specifically designated as mandatory, any feature or component shown in the drawings or discussed below should not be considered mandatory for any particular implementation of any of these apparatuses, devices, systems or methods. For ease of reading and clarity, certain components, modules or methods may be described only in connection with the specified figures. Any failure to specifically describe a combination or sub-combination of elements is not to be construed as an indication that any combination or sub-combination is not possible. Additionally, for any method described, whether or not the method is described in connection with a flowchart, it should be understood that any explicit or implicit ordering of steps performed in an implementation of the method does not imply that those steps must be performed in the order presented, but rather may be performed in a different order or in parallel, unless otherwise indicated or required by context.

The present disclosure generally relates to packages having an opening through which an article may be removed or dispensed. The package may be a flexible package, such as a pouch, bag, and box, which may be made of a flexible material, such as a polymeric film, a foil film, a laminate, and the like. The flexible package may contain and dispense solid articles, or fluid contents, or other fluid articles such as powders and the like. Generally, non-limiting embodiments of the package are disclosed herein as flexible packages. The flexible package may include, for example, polymeric sidewalls, and may be in the form of a formable bag or pouch.

In various embodiments, the closure features disclosed herein may comprise magnetic regions that are under mutual magnetic attraction.

The magnetic regions of the flexible package may be magnets and may be attracted to each other and disposed on two or more sidewalls of the flexible package in a manner that draws the sidewalls into at least partially contacting relationship. In various embodiments, the magnetic regions may be the result of magnetized material, such as magnetizable ink, that has been deposited in a predetermined pattern on the sidewall of the flexible package, cured (if necessary), and magnetized. In embodiments, the magnetizable material may be a uv curable magnetic ink. In embodiments, the magnetizable material may be magnetic ink that is magnetized by a process that utilizes paired cooperating magnetic arrays in which the magnetic ink is deposited, such as by printing, onto a flexible web substrate and passes through the gaps between the cooperating magnetic arrays. In embodiments, the flexible web substrate may contact one of the magnetic arrays.

In embodiments, the apparatus and method for magnetizing magnetizable material on a flexible web substrate into a pattern of alternating, generally parallel north and south poles is referred to as a hybrid magnetization process and is disclosed in commonly owned, co-pending U.S. patent sn.62/718,402, filed on the same day as the present disclosure under the name Scott David Hochberg (attorney docket No. 15326P), and hereby incorporated by reference.

In embodiments, the magnetizable material may be deposited onto the polymeric web substrate, such as by printing or extrusion. Further, the magnetizable material and/or the web substrate on which the magnetizable material is deposited may be substantially planar and continuous over at least two parallel surfaces. In embodiments, the magnetizable material comprises magnetic ink available from ACTEGA North America, Delran, New Jersey, and may include a substrate, a primer, and a magnetic ink. A water-based adhesion promoting primer may be deposited and cured on a substrate such as a polymer film. The magnetic ink may be deposited on top of the substrate and cured using an ultraviolet light source. The magnetic ink may comprise monomers, oligomers, photoinitiators and isotropic neodymium iron boron particles. Multiple layers of magnetic ink may be used to increase the amount of magnetizable material on the substrate.

Referring to fig. 1, one example of a package 10 is shown, which may be a flexible package 10 for dispensing articles contained in the package. The flexible package 10 may have a first major side wall 12 and a second major side wall 14 (not shown, but opposite the first major side wall, as shown in fig. 2 and 3). First major side wall 12 and second major side wall 14 may each have an outer perimeter 16. The first major side wall 12 and the second major side wall 14 may have substantially the same size and shape and may be connected at their respective peripheries 16. In embodiments, the

major side walls

12,14 can be joined to one another at the perimeter 16, such as by adhesive, welding, crimping, or the like, to form a container, such as a pouch, that generally has two sides enclosing an interior compartment 50, as well as a bottom portion 20 and an opening 22, which in use is generally understood to be a top opening. The interior compartment may be closed when the opening 22 is closed, or may be in fluid communication with the exterior portion when the opening 22 is open.

In fig. 1, the opening 22 is shown in one exemplary embodiment in a closed position and exhibits six petals 18. As used herein, "flap" refers to a closed fold that extends laterally at the opening 22 of the package 10. The lobes are a result of the structural configuration of the magnetic regions at the opening 22, as discussed more fully below. Generally, the package 10 of the present disclosure can have M lobes, where M is an integer. It is believed that in practice, M may advantageously be from 2 to 8. In fig. 1, M is 6.

The flexible package may have one or more minor side walls which may be relatively smaller in size and shape than the major side walls, and the

major side walls

12,14 and the bottom portion 20 may be connected together to form the package 10 in the form of a bag, which may be a flexible polymeric bag, having an opening 22, which in use is generally understood to be a top opening. The minor side walls may be gusseted to facilitate package deformation, including folding. In embodiments, the

major side walls

14, 16 may be joined together with the minor side walls and the bottom portion 20, such as by adhesive, welding, crimping, or the like. In general, any number of sidewalls may be utilized, but for simplicity the invention is disclosed herein as having two sidewalls connected around their respective peripheries and forming an opening. Furthermore, the term "sidewall" should not be taken to imply any degree of flatness, shape, size, or thickness.

The flexible package 10 can have N magnetic regions disposed in opposing relation on at least each of the first major side wall 14 and the second major side wall 16, where N can be a positive integer from 4 to 16, and as shown can be an even integer. Generally, at least one pair of opposing magnetic regions may be disposed on the major side wall with operable magnetic attraction to effect variable volume or variable change in opening shape of the closed package, as disclosed more fully below. The magnetic regions may be realized on the packaging (including flexible packaging) by the aforementioned hybrid magnetization process.

In an embodiment, as shown in fig. 2, four magnetic regions (N ═ 4)24-30 on each of the two opposing

major sidewalls

12,14 may be utilized. For clarity, the magnetic regions on the first sidewall 12 will be referred to with an "A" suffix, and the magnetic regions on the second sidewall 14 will be referred to with a "B" suffix. If the package 10 as shown in fig. 1 is opened and the side walls are separated and flattened, the illustrations of fig. 2 and 5 can be considered to be viewing the

major side walls

12, 14. In each of fig. 2 and 5, the face of each

sidewall

12,14 closest to the viewer can be either exterior (i.e., on the exterior of the package 10) or interior (i.e., on the interior of the package 10). Thus, it should be understood that the magnetic regions may be disposed on the outside of the package 10 or on the inside of the package 10. Also, the magnetic regions may be disposed in the interior of the laminate material used for the package 10.

Generally, the plurality of magnetic regions may be distributed proximate the opening 22 on the package 10. In the non-limiting embodiment shown, fig. 2-4 show four magnetic regions distributed in spaced relation adjacent the open area of each sidewall as shown, and fig. 5-7 show three magnetic regions distributed in spaced relation adjacent the open area of each sidewall. In general, the number and spacing S of the magnetic regions can be selected according to the desired number M of potential lobes, the strength of the magnetic force of the magnetic regions, the size of the package, the shape of the package, the stiffness of the package material, and any other physical property that affects the ability of the package to have a variable volume when closed as disclosed herein. In an embodiment, the entire face of each

major side wall

12,14 may be a magnetic region.

2-4 illustrate various non-limiting examples of magnetic regions that can be implemented in accordance with the present disclosure. In each of fig. 2-4, the first major lateral wall 12 is shown on the left side and the second major lateral wall 14 is shown on the right side.

As shown in fig. 2, the first major side wall 12 may have a first plurality of magnetic regions 60 disposed thereon in spaced relation, including four discrete magnetic regions: a first discrete magnetic region 24A, a second discrete magnetic region 26A, a third discrete magnetic region 28A, and a fourth discrete magnetic region 30A. Likewise, the second major side wall 14 may have a second plurality of magnetic regions 62 disposed thereon in spaced relation, the second plurality of magnetic regions including four opposing discrete magnetic regions: first opposing magnetic region 24B, second opposing magnetic region 26B, third opposing magnetic region 28B, and fourth opposing magnetic region 30B.

In general, all of the magnetic regions on sidewall 12 may be referred to as a first plurality of magnetic regions 60, and all of the magnetic regions on sidewall 14 may be referred to as a second plurality of magnetic regions 62. Generally, the first and second plurality of

magnetic regions

60, 62 are magnetically engageable with a separable magnetic force to close the access opening 22 of the package 10. In general, the first plurality of magnetic regions may include discrete magnetic regions that are substantially evenly spaced apart, and the second plurality of magnetic regions may include discrete opposing magnetic regions that are substantially evenly spaced apart.

The size of the magnetic region may be set according to the size and shape of the package 10 and its corresponding attractive force. The magnetic regions may contain magnetized magnetic ink that may be printed onto a region of the package and may be sized and shaped as required for a particular packaging task. The magnetic region may be flexible and may be as flexible as the material of the

side walls

12, 14. The magnetic regions may comprise magnetic ink deposited in relatively thin layers, such as by printing, such that the portions of the

sidewalls

12 and 14 containing the magnetic regions may be substantially flexible, and may be flexibly magnetically attractable to one another.

The advantages of the exemplary embodiment of fig. 2 may be illustrated by the top views of fig. 3 and 4, respectively, showing two different closed configurations. It will be appreciated that the representation is schematic and that the figures should not be taken as representing true dimensions. For example, the magnetic regions may be relatively thin printed elements, and the sidewalls may be thin film polymers. Therefore, for illustrative purposes, the thicknesses of the magnetic regions and the sidewalls are exaggerated in both fig. 3 and 4. Further, in general, pairs of discrete magnetic regions and opposing discrete magnetic regions (e.g.,

magnetic regions

26A and 26B of fig. 2) may be mirror images of each other in shape, size, and location, and may be disposed opposite each other in package 10. Generally, the magnetic regions effect closure of the flexible package 10 when in magnetic contact, as shown in fig. 1.

As shown in fig. 3, in one closed configuration, the opening 22 may be closed in a relatively flat manner, which, in the case according to the present disclosure, would exhibit two lobes 18(M ═ 2). As shown, each of the discrete magnetic regions of the first plurality of magnetic regions 60 finds a one-to-one correspondence of opposing discrete magnetic regions of the second plurality of magnetic regions 62. In use, the closed configuration shown in fig. 3 may achieve substantially complete closure of the package 10 at the opening 22 due to the relatively thin, flexible nature of both the

side walls

12 and 14, as well as the relatively thin, flexible nature of the magnetic regions (or embedded in the laminate film).

As shown in fig. 4, in one closed configuration, the opening 22 may be closed in a different manner (than that shown in fig. 3), which, in the case according to the present disclosure, would exhibit four lobes 18(M ═ 4). As shown, some of the discrete magnetic regions of the first plurality of magnetic regions 60 can be magnetically joined to other discrete magnetic regions of the first plurality of magnetic regions, e.g., 26A and 28A, with separable magnetic forces, and some of the discrete magnetic regions of the first plurality of magnetic regions 60 can be magnetically joined to discrete magnetic regions of the second plurality of magnetic regions, e.g., 30A and 30B, with separable magnetic forces. In use, the closed configuration shown in fig. 3 may achieve substantially complete closure of the package 10 at the opening 22 due to the relatively thin, flexible nature of both the

side walls

12 and 14, as well as the relatively thin, flexible nature of the discrete magnetic regions (or due to embedding in the laminated film).

It should be understood that the embodiment shown in fig. 2 may be closed in at least two different configurations, for example, a two-lobed configuration or a four-lobed configuration. An advantage of this closure feature is that the package 10 can be opened or closed by a user with a single hand. For example, with respect to the closed configuration of fig. 4, it will be appreciated that this configuration may be achieved by a user's one-handed fingers grasping the opening 22 and "bunching" the closure with fingers that force the magnetic regions into proximity so that they can magnetically engage with a separable magnetic force to close the access opening 22 of the package 10. Such closures can also be easily opened with a single hand, for example, by forcing a person's fingers into the opening and using the fingers to spread apart the separable magnetically engaged magnets of the discrete magnetic regions.

Furthermore, it should be understood that with respect to the embodiments discussed with respect to FIGS. 2-4, it may be extrapolated to have N magnetic regions disposed in an opposing relationship on at least each of first major sidewall 14 and second major sidewall 16, where N may be an even integer greater than 4. Considering the description of fig. 2-4, for example, but considering that each

sidewall

12,14 may have six (N6) discrete magnetic regions (or opposing discrete magnetic regions)/multiple magnetic regions, one can see that closure may result in a flat configuration similar to fig. 3 with two lobes, or a multi-lobe configuration similar to fig. 4 but with six lobes (M6).

The discrete magnetic regions may each comprise a pattern of alternating north strips 32 and south strips 34 of magnetized material, as shown in fig. 5. The

bands

32 and 34 may be separated by a neutral zone 36 and may generate magnetic flux. The magnetic flux is the integral of the normal component of the magnetic field passing through the defining surface. For printed magnets, this surface is coplanar with the working surface of the magnetised material. Generally, the pole bands can be a pattern of continuous strips of alternating north and poles (and in various embodiments adjacent north and south poles are separated by neutral zones) and have a predetermined pole density (pole band/distance), which can be the result of the manufacturing process that produces them. Furthermore, the tape need not be uniform in width and spacing, but may exhibit a pole density gradient, which may be achieved by varying the width of the magnetic poles in the plane and perpendicular to the pole bands. The pole density gradient may produce a magnetic flux gradient, which may be understood as the integral of the normal component of the magnetic field from the magnetized region, and is non-constant at the defined surface. The magnetic flux gradient can be achieved by varying the pole width (pole/inch, or pole density) or the magnetic region (e.g., magnetic ink) thickness. Likewise, the

bands

32 and 34 need not be in the form of continuous strips, but may be band-like features comprising discrete circular, elliptical, rectangular, etc. shaped sections of magnetized material.

The magnetic strips of magnetic poles may be produced by processes that include passing a substrate containing magnetizable material through one or more paired magnetic arrays such as flux pump arrays, radial arrays, or hybrid magnetization processes as described previously. Generally, when the poles of each magnetic region are oriented in a parallel manner, magnetic regions having substantially parallel alternating pole strips will be most strongly magnetically attracted to other magnetic regions having substantially parallel alternating pole strips. Likewise, magnetic regions with substantially parallel alternating pole strips will be least magnetically attracted to other magnetic regions with substantially parallel alternating pole strips when the poles of each magnetic region are oriented in a perpendicular manner.

In the exemplary embodiment shown in fig. 5-7, a package closed configuration is shown, wherein the design utilizes different magnetic attraction of discrete magnetic regions having different orientations of their generally parallel alternating pole strips. In the illustrated embodiment, each

sidewall

12,14 can have L discrete magnetic regions and L opposing magnetic regions, where L is a positive integer greater than 3. In an embodiment, some of the discrete magnetic regions comprise a plurality of north and south strips having a first directional orientation, and some of the opposing discrete magnetic regions comprise a plurality of north and south strips having a second directional orientation. In embodiments, the first direction and the second direction may be substantially at right angles with respect to each other. For example, in fig. 5, a representative X-Y plane is indicated for purposes of understanding the tape orientation as disclosed herein, wherein each tape is considered to be oriented in line with a generally longitudinal central axis a, as shown by discrete magnetic regions 28A in fig. 5. As shown, the sidewall 12 may have a first plurality of three discrete magnetic regions 60 (L-3) including a first discrete magnetic region 26A and a third discrete magnetic region 28A (each having generally parallel alternating magnetic pole strips oriented in the X-direction, as shown in fig. 5, and at generally right angles to those of the second discrete magnetic region 26A oriented in the Y-direction). The opposing first, second, and third discrete

magnetic regions

24B, 26B, 28B (L3) of the second plurality of magnetic regions 62 on the sidewall 14 may be substantially a mirror image of the discrete magnetic regions and magnetic pole orientations of the first plurality of magnetic regions 60.

With this configuration of the magnetic region shown in fig. 5, at least two different closed configurations can be achieved. In fig. 6, which is a schematic top view of the closed package 10 having the magnetic region structure of fig. 5, the closure can be a two-lobed, relatively flat closure. The discrete magnetic region 24A and the opposing discrete magnetic region 24B (each having the same respective orientation of the poles 32, 34) may be magnetically attracted and exhibit separable magnetic engaging contact to effectively close the portion of the package 10 in the vicinity of the magnetic regions. The same description applies to discrete magnetic region 26A and opposing discrete magnetic region 26B, as well as

magnetic regions

28A and 28B. In general, any number of similar pairs of discrete magnetic regions may be utilized, and depending on the size and shape of the package 10, the opening 22 of the package 10 may be configured as shown in fig. 6 to effectively close.

The package 10 utilizing the magnetic zone arrangement shown in fig. 5 may also be closed in an alternative configuration, as schematically shown in fig. 7. In fig. 7, which is a schematic top view of a closed package 10 having the magnetic region structure of fig. 5, the closure can be an alternative, two-lobed, relatively flat closure. The discrete

magnetic regions

24A and 24B (each having

poles

32, 34 of the same respective orientation) may be magnetically attracted and exhibit separable magnetic engaging contact to effectively close portions of the package 10 in the vicinity of the magnetic regions. The same description applies to the opposing discrete

magnetic regions

24B and 28B. In this configuration,

magnetic regions

26A and 26B may function in the portion that effects closure of opening 22 ("flap end" closure) on package 10. In general, any number of similar pairs of magnetic regions may be utilized, and depending on the size and shape of the package 10, the opening 22 of the package 10 may be configured as shown in fig. 7 to effectively close.

As discussed above, it should be understood that the representations of fig. 6 and 7 are schematic and that these figures should not be considered to represent actual dimensions. For example, the discrete magnetic regions can be relatively thin printed regions, and the sidewalls can be thin film polymers. Therefore, for illustrative purposes, the thicknesses of the magnetic regions and the sidewalls are exaggerated in both fig. 6 and 7.

The magnetized pole strips in each discrete magnetic region can be oriented parallel to, perpendicular to, or at an angle relative to the general orientation of the package or package opening 22, or at an angle relative to other magnetic regions. For example, in the embodiment of fig. 2, all of the poles in all of the magnetic regions may have the same angle relative to each other. However, in the embodiment of fig. 5, the mating of the north and south poles is achieved, for example, by contacting the poles at the same angle relative to each other. There may be a relatively small attractive force at 90 degrees relative to each other, and the attractive force may increase with extreme variations approaching 0 (or 180) degrees. In an implementation, the opposing magnetic regions are mirror images of each other, such that the size, shape, and placement of the discrete magnetic regions may be the same size, shape, and placement as the corresponding opposing discrete magnetic regions 28 and 30.

Generally, discrete magnetic regions may be disposed on either side of

sidewalls

12 and 14, respectively. It should be understood that in the flexible package 10, the magnetic regions may be disposed on the interior of the flexible package 10, or on the exterior of the flexible package 10. In embodiments, one or more of the magnetic regions may be disposed on an interior of the flexible package 10 and one or more magnetic regions may be disposed on an exterior of the flexible package 10. By placing the magnetic region on one or the other of the side walls, increasing or decreasing the magnetic force can affect the magnetic attraction force as desired. Likewise, if magnetic ink is utilized, the magnetic ink may be applied in a pattern and may contain color so that the magnetic regions may be visibly incorporated into the flexible package printed design.

The flexible package 10 need not have any particular shape, and the shapes shown are merely non-limiting examples. Additional features may be incorporated that may be used in the packaging field. For example, the package 10 may have additional closure mechanisms 52 disposed on one or both of the

major side walls

12,14, as shown in fig. 5. The closure mechanism 52 may be any known mechanism for closing a package, including a zipper track closure with a slider zipper closure. The closure mechanism may also be a separate magnetic region of the type disclosed herein. The closure mechanism 52 may also include or work in conjunction with a frangible portion 64 that can be used to provide a complete seal of the package 10 during shipping and storage, but which can be removed prior to use to open the package 10. The frangible portion 64 may include a line of weakness 66, such as a perforation line, which may be torn to open the package 10.

In general, embodiments of the packages 10 disclosed herein can also include indicia or graphics on the exterior side walls that display and guide the consumer in the conformable or foldable arrangement of the packages and how to manipulate the packages to manipulate the volume or shape. The graphics may convey how to manipulate the package based on the magnet arrangement.

The foregoing description of various embodiments and examples has been presented for the purposes of illustration and description. It is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the forms described. Many modifications are possible in light of the above teaching. Some of these modifications have been discussed and others will be apparent to those skilled in the art. The embodiments were chosen and described in order to best explain the principles of the various embodiments as applicable to the particular use contemplated. Of course, the scope is not limited to the examples described herein, but may be used by one of ordinary skill in the art for any number of applications and equivalent devices. Rather, it is intended that the scope of the invention be defined by the claims appended hereto.

The dimensions and values disclosed herein are not to be understood as being strictly limited to the exact numerical values recited. Rather, unless otherwise specified, each such dimension is intended to mean both the recited value and a functionally equivalent range surrounding that value. For example, a dimension disclosed as "40 mm" is intended to mean "about 40 mm".

Each document cited herein, including any cross referenced or related patent or patent application and any patent application or patent to which this application claims priority or its benefits, is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety unless expressly excluded or otherwise limited. The citation of any document is not an admission that it is prior art with any disclosure of the invention or the claims herein or that it alone, or in combination with any one or more of the references, teaches, suggests or discloses any such invention. Further, to the extent that any meaning or definition of a term in this document conflicts with any meaning or definition of the same term in a document incorporated by reference, the meaning or definition assigned to that term in this document shall govern.

While particular embodiments of the present invention have been illustrated and described, it would be obvious to those skilled in the art that various other changes and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. It is therefore intended to cover in the appended claims all such changes and modifications that are within the scope of this invention.

Claims

1. A flexible package, the package comprising:

a first flexible polymeric sidewall having a first perimeter and a second flexible polymeric sidewall having a second perimeter, the first flexible polymeric sidewall and the second flexible polymeric sidewall being connected by a bottom portion and a first seam and a second seam defining a first side and a second side, respectively;

an access opening opposite the bottom portion;

a first plurality of magnetic regions disposed on the first sidewall proximate the access opening, the first plurality of magnetic regions comprising at least N discrete magnetic regions, where N is an even integer from 4 to 16;

a second plurality of magnetic regions disposed on the second sidewall proximate the access opening, the second plurality of magnetic regions comprising at least N opposing discrete magnetic regions, the second plurality of magnetic regions opposing the first plurality of magnetic regions; and is

Wherein the N discrete magnetic regions and the N opposing discrete magnetic regions are magnetically engageable to close the access opening of the package in a configuration having M petals, wherein M is selected from an integer consisting of 4, 6, and 8,

wherein some of the discrete magnetic regions comprise a plurality of north and south strips having a first directional orientation and some of the opposing discrete magnetic regions comprise a plurality of north and south strips having a second directional orientation, wherein the first and second directions are at right angles to each other.

2. The flexible package of claim 1, wherein the discrete magnetic regions and the discrete opposing magnetic regions comprise magnetic ink.

3. The flexible package of claim 1 or 2, wherein the first plurality of magnetic regions comprises uniformly spaced discrete magnetic regions and the second plurality of magnetic regions comprises uniformly spaced discrete opposing magnetic regions.

4. The flexible package of claim 1 or 2, wherein the discrete magnetic region and the discrete opposing magnetic region comprise a plurality of parallel spaced alternating north and south magnetic strips.

5. The flexible package of claim 1 or 2, wherein the discrete magnetic regions and the discrete opposing magnetic regions comprise a plurality of parallel spaced alternating north and south magnetic strips, and each of the alternating north and south strips is oriented in the same direction.

6. The flexible package of claim 1 or 2, wherein the discrete magnetic region and the discrete opposing magnetic region comprise a plurality of parallel spaced alternating north and south magnetic strips, wherein adjacent north and south poles are separated by a neutral zone.

7. A flexible package, the package comprising:

an access opening opposite the bottom portion;

a first plurality of magnetic regions disposed on the first sidewall proximate the access opening, the first plurality of magnetic regions comprising at least N discrete magnetic regions, where N is an even integer from 4 to 10, and wherein each discrete magnetic region comprises a plurality of north and south pole strips;

a second plurality of magnetic regions disposed on the second sidewall proximate the access opening, the second plurality of magnetic regions comprising at least N opposing discrete magnetic regions, the second plurality of magnetic regions opposing the first plurality of magnetic regions, and wherein each discrete opposing magnetic region comprises a plurality of north and south pole strips; and is

8. The flexible package of claim 7, wherein the discrete magnetic regions and the discrete opposing magnetic regions comprise ultraviolet curable magnetic ink.

9. The flexible package of claim 7 or 8, wherein the first plurality of magnetic regions comprises evenly spaced discrete magnetic regions and the second plurality of magnetic regions comprises evenly spaced discrete opposing magnetic regions.

10. The flexible package of claim 7 or 8, wherein the discrete magnetic regions and the discrete opposing magnetic regions comprise a plurality of parallel spaced alternating north and south magnetic strips, and each of the alternating north and south strips is oriented in the same direction.

11. The flexible package of claim 7 or 8, wherein adjacent north and south poles are separated by a neutral zone.

12. The flexible package of claim 7 or 8, wherein the discrete magnetic regions and the opposing discrete magnetic regions are the same size and shape.